Pre-FA Mock Draft (Pre-Draft Update)

[Untouchable]

I'll try to make this as realistic as possible.  The team has a lot of needs and free agency is going to be very important this year but I don't think they are far off from being serious contenders.  Not going to do trades because it's already a crap-shoot as it is.

1(16) Cody Ford, OT/G, Oklahoma (6036, 329 lbs) - Jonah is not dropping, Burns would be better but similar prospects haven't made it past pick 9 in the past.  In the event Burns is gone and Carolina stays, Cody Ford and Christian Wilkins become the favorites.  Ford is slotting in at LG his rookie year.

Previous : Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama (6044, 302 lbs) - If Williams drops he is absolutely the pick here.  I still have my doubts that he does but grabbing him would easily allow the Panthers to free up from Kalil.  I'll be watching free agency too because I could see the team taking a chance on George Fant if Seattle doesn't tender him because he would be cheaper than keeping Kalil this year and set the team up to make a move for a tackle early in the draft.  If Williams doesn't drop I can easily see the team reaching for a player like Risner, Bradberry Ford or Dillard here. 

2(47) Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss (6052, 310 lbs) - McCoy could still be in play because of his versatility to play guard but a team can never have too many OTs.  I always thought Little was in play at 16 but I keep seeing his stock take a nose dive lately with some outlets ranking him just inside the top 100 (I've seen him as the top tackle in others though too).  Athletically he's very gifted but is inconsistent in his technique.  Rarely lost in pass protection last season though.

Previous: Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M (6036, 310 lbs) - The youngest of the top rated centers, McCoy has been a durable and consistent pivot since walking onto campus.  If the team views Larsen as a depth player or bridge at best then an investment in McCoy who has spent significant time running both gap/power and zone concepts with the Aggies.  Panthers would be wise to grab the 21 yo and potentially solidify the spot again for the next decade.  BC's Chris Lindstrom could be in play here to plug in at guard as well.

3(77) D'Andre Walker, EDGE, Georgia (6023, 251 lbs) - Savage is being talked about in round 1 now so that isn't going to work here anymore.  Walker's run D is ahead of the pass rush but the tools are there and he has the ability to play multiple positions in both fronts.  Plus he's improved every year.

Previous: Darnell Savage, FS, Maryland (5106, 198 lbs) - Man definitely has speed and for a defense in desperate need of it that is huge.  The speed shows up on tape as he has the range to cover sideline to sideline.  Maryland quietly sneaks out these athletes year after year and Savage is the next one.  He's a converted corner that has spent time in the nickel too.  Versatility to play deep or fly up into the box and help the run.  Biggest concern I've seen reported is his consistency tackling.  The team could very likely look to grab a stopgap in FA while developing a FS.

3(100) Marquise Blair, S, Utah (6'1", 195 lbs) - Nelson doesn't look to be making it past the end of the 2nd round now and this seems to be around the safety sweet spot during the Rivera era.  Blair is aggressive and it gets him in trouble at times but he's rangy.

Previous: Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa (6070, 271 lbs) - Showed well at both the combine (I'm a big 3-cone/shuttle fan) and more importantly the senior bowl.  Long 43 left DE with scheme flexibility to reduce inside to 43 DT or even play 34 DE.  Adding youth to the decaying pass rush is paramount but I also expect a move to be made in free agency to help as well (say a Robert Quinn if he gets released).  The team fooled around with Horton at DT and talks are of trying Cox Jr. there as well so a selection like Nelson could set the team up to try and move Butler in a trade too.

4(115) Cortez Broughton, DT, Cincinnati (6'2", 293 lbs) - Wesley still works but I'm still missing a 3T.  Broughton was misused up until his final season where he broke out.  He's worth taking a shot on.

Previous: Antonie Wesley, WR, Texas Tech (6041, 206 lbs) -  Looking for someone to help mainly in the red zone at WR.  Samuel and Moore should have no problem moving the ball between the 20s but our red zone offense struggled once Funchess's reps evaporated.  He's tall and tracks/adjusts to the ball very well but his speed is questioned and he is lanky and will likely struggle with press/blocking at least until he adds weight.  Very good agility and route running for his size.  If Wesley isn't the type of WR the team is looking at I'd look toward a slot type like Mecole Hardman or Greg Dortch.

5(154) Jordan Ta'amu, QB, Ole Miss (6026, 214 lbs) - Long is long gone by now and I can't ignore the the team's desire for a QB the whole draft even if I want to.  Ta'amu has a strong arm and is accurate but it's not completely working between the ears.  Worth a shot to sit and develop .

Previous: David Long, CB, Michigan (5105, 196 lbs) - Can never have enough CBs.  The team reportedly likes Elder to compete for nickel but I'm bringing Long in to try and take that.  Fantastic short area quickness and speed but size will probably pigeon hole him into the nickel role.  Nickel corners are starters in today's NFL so that doesn't bother me.

6(188) Nik Needham, CB, UTEP (6'0" 190 lbs) - Pollard still works and I still like the fit but just to be different I'll go with the underrated sticky cover corner from UTEP.  He has shown ability in zone and press man which make sense in Carolina.  And the team does have looming free agency for Bradberry and Cockrell.

Previous: Tony Pollard, RB, Memphis (5115, 210 lbs) - Panthers are looking for a RB who can kind of mirror McCaffery's skillset.  That's a tall order but Pollard has experience running and receiving out of the backfield.  He is also a really good kick returner so that ST value will be important.  I've seen drops as his biggest knock.

[Pantha-kun]

Looks like everyone is starting to gravitate towards us taking an OT now.. I would love that pick, and I'd also expect us to pick up either a C or LG in the mid rounds. 2nd rounder would prob go to best available pass rusher. 

[Untouchable]

8 minutes ago, Pantha-kun said:

Looks like everyone is starting to gravitate towards us taking an OT now.. I would love that pick, and I'd also expect us to pick up either a C or LG in the mid rounds. 2nd rounder would prob go to best available pass rusher. 

Yeah, I was on pass rush at first but I think the team can use a FA stop gap and manufacture pressure this season if need be.  I see the OL as the quickest way to having a serious title shot again and maximizing Newton's remaining career.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

I like this mock draft because I could see it playing out like this.  If we get three picks deep in this draft and have not addressed DE several people on this message board will poo themselves.